As a British-Iraqi who grew up in the middle east and has studied in the UK, I believe that I can represent UEA’s students of colour as your next People of Colour Officer. I want to be a voice for this movement, giving people a safe space and platform to discuss the issues they face. We need to amplify the voices of traditionally marginalized students and have our needs met. I believe that providing an open space to discuss certain issues will help to create a more comfortable atmosphere and university experience, allowing us to achieve more and create positive social action at UEA.

My Experience:

• I was one of the founders of the Arab Society, and I am still a member of the committee.
• I have also been involved with Charity Week, which is held every year by the Islamic society at UEA, (fun fact, we raised £12,628.07 in 2019)
• In May 2021, I was able to organise an event at the square for students to stand in solidarity with Palestine. I worked in collaboration with multiple societies at UEA and the security team to run the event.

My Pledges:

• Promote a safe space where people can contact me with any issue concerning racism or racial prejudice.
• Work closely with UEA’s ethnic societies in order to create an environment that is accessible and inviting for people of colour.
• Improving awareness of existing mechanisms for PoC to report hate crimes or discrimination they face within the university.